Attacks: Defence Minister visits Maiduguri to assess security situation
Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a retired military officer, made his first official visit to Borno State since taking office in December 2025. Accompanied by Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle, Musa was received at the Airforce Base in Maiduguri by senior military officers, including Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.
The visit comes as troops intensify operations to contain threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. In recent weeks, the Joint Task Force has foiled several attacks, including a planned mass abduction of 150 travellers on Monday. The military also announced the deaths of at least 38 suspected ISWAP terrorists who attacked a military base in Biu Local Government Area over the weekend.
Musa and Matawalle visited the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, to express sympathy for the recent triple bomb blasts attributed to Boko Haram terrorists. Speaking during the visit, Musa condemned the attacks, saying they do not represent any religion or legitimate cause. He assured residents that the federal government is committed to preventing similar attacks and is reviewing what can be done differently.
Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar's presence at the Airforce Base underscores the gravity of the security situation in Maiduguri. The fact that Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa has made his first official visit to Borno State since taking office suggests that the federal government is taking the recent attacks seriously. However, the question remains whether this visit will translate into tangible improvements in security for the people of Borno State and the North-East region.
